New research indicates there are common underlying characteristics to many different manifestations of dependency, including substance and/or activity addictions. In recognizing that activities such as gambling or excessive shopping are not physically addicting, a new model for interpreting dependency has arisen. This new perspective encompasses a broader definition of addiction to include both substances and behaviors. In 2004, a syndrome model for classifying addiction was brought forward. In this situation, a syndrome is defined as a cluster of symptoms and signs related to an abnormal underlying condition.

In the past, various manifestations of addiction, such as opioid dependence, alcohol addiction or pathological gambling have been treated as separate illnesses. Today, it is believed that there seems to be a broader, underlying condition/syndrome that permits these various manifestations of addiction to develop. In the same way that a compromised immune system can leave a person vulnerable to developing a variety of opportunistic illnesses, there is a basic set of circumstances/syndrome that increase the likelihood that an individual will develop one or more expressions of addiction. It is suggested that a person’s risk for developing addiction depends on a combination of three factors: personal vulnerabilities (such as genetics or psychological factors), exposure to an object or activity, and personal experience with the potentially addictive matter (like or dislike).

In support of the thesis that addiction is a syndrome, studies have shown that both genetics and brain function contribute to a person’s vulnerability to addiction. Researchers have also observed that the presence of particular psychiatric disorders might make a person more vulnerable to addiction. For example, there has been cited a higher degree of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder among people who seek treatment for addiction. Also, it is interesting to note that various types of addiction seem to follow similar patterns of improvement, relapse and remission. Furthermore, similar but varied stimuli can encourage addiction to differing substances or behaviors among different people. For those who receive consistent reward/gratification from certain stimuli, research indicates those individuals become at risk of addiction to those stimulating substances or behaviors.

A syndrome involves recurring behavior. The model of addiction as a syndrome means recurrence of addiction can occur. This explains the common clinical observation of an individual struggling with a relapse addiction to a different substance. This basic, underlying syndrome nature of addiction may explain why certain therapies or treatment programs (such as AA and its many variations) are recognized as effective with people involved with various addictive substances or behaviors. As a result of this new paradigm of addiction as syndrome, therapists and clinicians have a fresh new model for preventing, diagnosing, and treating addiction.

One result of this new perception of dependence is that now relapse can be viewed not as a failure of will or character, but rather as a probable expression of the fundamental addiction syndrome. The implications of this model are large for the diagnosis of addiction. Usually, therapists have relied on anecdotal reports of the individual’s behavior to diagnose addiction. Now, with the concept of a syndrome, the attributes and symptoms of the syndrome will become the basis for diagnosis of the disease in an individual. With time, clinicians will become more sophisticated in the usage of this model for diagnosis. This diagnostic methodology is only in its infancy currently, but it is anticipated that diagnostic tests will be developed for a more analytical understanding of addictive individuals.

As the means of diagnosis and assessment improves, it will encourage the advancement of treatment. To treat addictions more successfully, the professional clinician might assume the role of primary mental healthcare provider, and will take the responsibility of managing the treatment for addiction. Under these circumstances, the clinician might perform the following tasks: 1) recognize signs and symptoms of addictive behaviors, 2) refer patients to appropriate specialists, 3) follow up to monitor patient progress and to provide necessary support. In turn, insurance companies would need to recognize multiple diagnoses of addiction, and especially behavioral addictions such as gambling.

It is hoped that recognizing addiction as a syndrome will allow a more accurate portrayal of the addict and his/her condition. Through this paradigm, addiction becomes a behavior that has certain basic, recognizable characteristics regardless of the substance of choice, or the compulsive behavior. Knowledge of the attributes of the syndrome will allow for better diagnosis of the disease, and will assist in developing more effective means of treatment and recovery of the addict.

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Addiction is an obsessive-compulsive disorder, with a dominating set of behaviors and attitudes that are focused on specific activities. Addiction can involve drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, shopping, internet use, overeating or dieting. These compulsions create a destructive cycle of behaviors that an individual will maintain despite highly negative consequences. An alcoholic may miss work or school excessively, or isolate from the family, or stay out to all hours, or show inconsistent mood swings and personality fluctuations, and usually will manifest shortages of money in order to support the addiction. All addictive acts can be described as risk taking, and can be accompanied by anxious and paranoid characteristics.

Adolescents share many of these problems. Due to the complexity of adolescence and their mental and emotional immaturity, teenagers more easily succumb to addiction that may have begun as experimentation. Clinical studies have shown that adults who begin drinking about age 21 will typically take between 5 and 15 years to develop an addiction. On the other hand, adolescents may develop a dependency within 5 to 15 months of the beginning of their use of drugs or alcohol. It is very clear to clinicians that the impact of alcohol or drugs on the adolescent will stunt their emotional and emotional maturity to a very significant degree.

As with all diseases, addiction has symptoms that are consistent, especially in teenagers. Some characteristics are sudden isolation from family and friends, decrease or loss of interest in formerly favorite activities, and sudden lowered performance and misbehavior in school. Arguments with adults, particularly parents, will escalate; especially if the adult attempts to direct the teenager away from activities associated with dependency. Newly addicted adolescents will frequently adopt a new peer friendship group, and will tend to be secretive about this association. Impulsivity and poor judgment will be manifested. Criminal acts may arise, from possession and use of illegal substances to shop lifting or gang involvement. Conflict, turmoil, acting out, and all the negatives associated with these behaviors can be the result of teen addiction, and can have a terrible impact on the family as a whole and the teen in particular.

As with adults, adolescents develop defenses to protect themselves, to hide their secret and to maintain the addiction. The most powerful defense mechanism is denial, which is a very common teenage means of coping. The strength of craving an addiction creates a corresponding denial of its existence. There is self denial, and there is denial to the authority figure. Teens frequently use rationalization as well; we have all heard the rationale that “everyone does it” as an excuse to continue engaging in intoxication dependent behavior. Drugs are often called study aids or socially acceptable as a means of justification of their use.

Just as common is minimizing the habit, such as stating that it is no big deal to engage in risky behavior. Ultimately, when confronted with the issue, the adolescent will turn to projection, or blaming. It is not unusual to blame the law, or school, or parents rather than admit to wrongdoing. All of these defense mechanisms are utilized to deflect attention and to take the focus off the individual that is the focus of scrutiny. It is simply easier to point to others as the problem than for the adolescent to confront their own feelings of shame or guilt.

Counseling and treatment of adolescents focuses on assessment of problematic behaviors identified in individuals that indicate an addiction issue. Some of these behaviors, as identified in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) include:

1. Tolerance – an individual has to use increasingly greater amounts of alcohol or drugs to get the same results.

2. Withdrawal – not engaging in the use of the dependent substance results in any of a number of adverse reactions, such vomiting, sweating, shaking, insomnia, etc.

3. Preoccupation – the person spends an excessive amount of time dealing with the addictive behavior, such as acquisition, use, and hiding the habit.

4. Attempts to quit – the individual has tried to quit and failed, despite promises and strong effort.

5. Escape – the use of alcohol or drugs is used as an escape from reality.

6. Dishonesty – lying is used to cover up usage.

7. Illegal acts – criminal behavior is a common result of addiction, usually to support the habit.

8. Relying on others for financial support – habitual debt is a possible indicator of addiction.

Treatment of the addicted adolescent is based on the 12 Steps, using Alcoholics Anonymous and the Big Book as the basis for sobriety. Counseling, guidance and support are crucial for success. Probably the most vital aspect of treatment and recovery for the adolescent is involvement of the family. Family visits and family counseling are essential for the adolescent to reach stable sobriety. Addiction has been termed a family disease, and for this tender age group it is so important for the family to be directly involved in treatment and recovery. The adolescent must learn the severity of the disease called addiction, and to understand that recovery is a lifelong process. An addict can recover, and so can the family by learning to begin life again at the fullest, one day at a time.

Please contact Origins Recovery Center if you or your loved ones are struggling with such issues by calling 1-888-U-GET-WELL or by clicking the contact button below.

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As an individual interested in addiction and rehabilitation, the characteristics of an addict are no doubt well known. Typically, the person in the duress of active addiction exhibit irresponsible, erratic, amoral and unethical behavior. These attributes, most commonly, are not “native” to the individual. They are the result of relinquishing to intoxication. It is said that alcohol or drugs disinhibits the brain, causing a person to lose the normal social and psychological inhibitions. The result is “acting out” and being socially inappropriate.

Studies of brain function indicate that the reward center of the brain, located in the mesocorticolimbic region, is the center of the feelings of the euphoria of intoxication. This area has to do with the primitive or instinctual aspects of cognition, and has been associated by some anthropologists and psychologists as the historically oldest part of the brain. These professionals believe the limbic region is related to the earliest survival instincts and behaviors such as hunting and fighting, that were our historically earliest social forms of survival.

For the addict, the reward center of this region dominates all other parts of the brain, compelling constant reward and stimulation. The stimulation of the reward center commands all actions and thought – unconsciously of course. The difference between the addict and the non-addictive personality is that the reward is so highly sensitive for the former individual. Rendering matters worse for the addicted, the brain is disinhibited and illogical due to chemical dependence, with the reward center controlling normal cognitive functions such as judgment and logic. The result is a person driven by craving and reward.

In this state of mind, the addict simply is unable to overcome the needs through willpower or struggle. Alcoholism or drug dependence is a physical disease, and will has no power over physical disease. The mind and the body undergo actual physical changes that are a chemical induced abnormality or illness. Addiction has been called a bio-psychological-social disease because it impacts each of those aspects of a person’s being. As Dr. Loving, of the Texas Star Program states, it is a “self induced central nervous system disorder.” He also states there is no cure for the disease. In other words, it is a chronic disease. It is also a gravely critical disease that becomes progressively worse without treatment.

One of the tragedies of addiction is the social consequences. Relationships are destroyed and the user is forced into social isolation due to abnormal and destructive behavior. Frequently, legal and criminal complications arise. Debt becomes a supreme liability. One of the great ironies of the typical addict community is that many times these are individuals of high accomplishment that have become the victims of addiction.

The means to sobriety includes detoxification and recovery. Detox is the medical treatment of the physical addiction to a substance. This process involves using medications to assist in the gradual withdrawal from a dependency. As Dr. Loving says, “withdrawal is like bringing an airplane in for a landing.” It is a complicated and delicate application of medications to implement withdrawal without damaging consequences. The acute, first phase of detox takes approximately one week.

There is a second phase to detox, termed post acute withdrawal or protracted abstinence syndrome. Though less acute, it is a period involving feelings of anxiety and “fuzzy thinking” that can take weeks to months to complete. This return to mental and physical balance is a delicate and vulnerable time for the former addict. During this period, recovery should begin as a support and guidance in the total withdrawal program. The key to recovery is to learn the means to manage life without drugs or alcohol. During detox and the early stages of recovery, it is necessary to work closely with medical and psychological professionals. In many cases, there may be a co-existing medical or psychological condition that contributes to the condition of addiction. Often psychological disorders such as depression, bipolar illness, or anxiety disorder may need to be treated. In other instances, individuals who exhibit psychological issues will find they are a byproduct of addiction, and will gradually subside through detox and recovery.

The recovery plan must be a plan of abstinence, and include a method of managing life through fellowship and a belief in a stronger power. The habits of addiction are replaced with the habits of a spiritually rich and normal life. In the end, sobriety is achieved with healthy and functional activities. Ultimately, recovery must include meaningful fellowship and support from others, and finding ways to manage stress and cope with difficult emotional situations that will always arise in anyone’s life. For recovery to be successful, the participant must develop an open and willing attitude, as the habits of addiction cannot be continued and new methods of managing sobriety must be developed. Informed guidance by professional staff must be met with a willingness to learn new behaviors for positive abstinence.

Alcoholics Anonymous or Cocaine Anonymous provide the structure and successful habits for recovery. It is a proven methodology in these programs and, really, the ones that work most effectively. AA or CA are not businesses; no one makes money from the program. They are a support network, with teaching and beliefs that can transform the failures of addiction into thinking and habits of a meaningful and productive existence. It is an extensive commitment, 12 arduous steps, that culminates – with dedicated effort and faith – in the development of confidence and belief in yourself.

Those who advocate the Twelve Steps would say, in fact, that an individual must stop fighting the addiction and accept the lack of power they have in this battle with addiction. Once the struggle with addiction stops, the person can accept help and commit to recovery through dedication to an ongoing, proactive, sobriety plan.

Though there are many drug treatment centers to choose from, Origins Recovery Center has a proven track record of success. An individual must be willing to hand over their life to a proven methodology for managing a sober life. In the end, the successful participant will take control of his/her life and, together with their fellows and their beliefs, will seize the true opportunity that life provides.

Please feel free to call us at 1-888-U-GET-WELL in order to learn more about our Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center or click the contact button below.

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In our first article, review of the latest scientific discoveries reveals the latest information on the role of particular genes that influence addiction to alcohol and drugs. Neuropsychology, as well, ties addiction to the limbic portion of the brain, to the aptly named “reward center”. As we explore the latest in scientific discovery, however, it is also revelatory to reflect on knowledge acquired through many years of experience with the addict and addiction. In this historical study, we shall retrogress to the late 1930’s. This period in our nation’s history was a “high stress era” following World War I, the roaring twenties, and The Great Depression. Looming on the horizon was World War II. It was an era of tremendous social and cultural change and anxiety, and a period where many succumbed to the bottle, the pill, the powder, and the needle.

It was a period when communications and transportation accelerated rapidly, and the media and the press and the screen stepped forward with social commentary and up to the minute news reports. Earnest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sigmund Freud, and Albert Einstein were hallmarks of an epoch that featured wealth and lost wealth, war and peace, scientific advances and brutal war, excess and moderation. In my own family, those with too much money and too little sense were termed the “idle rich”; they stamped our family history with tales of their demise. In the midst of the roaring twenties, the first true addiction treatment systems arose, fueled by the wealth created in that decade and fueled by the decadence that followed in its path. With the popular media shaping public opinion, families embraced institutional treatment to face the tragedies that came to individuals. In this burgeoning democratic society, it was no longer fashionable to overlook or to ignore the addicted. Secrets of the family were gradually exposed to the public, and the afflicted treated as having an illness rather than simply an embarrassment.

The private sanitoriums of the 1800’s became nationally prominent hospitals specializing in alcoholism and drug addiction. They were extolled for their fearless desire to improve society. And yet, these medical authorities encountered frustration in their pursuit of the “cure” for the addicted. Time and again, the medical world faced frustration and regret, and individuals failed to embrace a medical cure for addictive behavior. Fortunately, in 1934 a physician with two decades of experience in the medical treatment of these disorders stepped forward to announce what he considered to be the first real breakthrough and success in working with addicted patients. The first light of hope appeared in 1934 when Dr. William D. Silkworth wrote of strong results with “… certain ideas concerning a possible means of recovery”.

Dr. Silkworth did not create this new program through medical discovery, but he was closely in touch with the recovery community and was amazed by the progress made by a certain group of individuals joined in fellowship. This group, of course, came to be known by the name Alcoholics Anonymous. From 1934 to 1955, it grew from one hundred members to 1,600 groups and a reputed 160,000 recovered alcoholics. The growth of this organization has been exponential since and the community of groups continues to bloom and prosper today. In future articles, we will look at this group more closely. However, for this review let us focus on the comments of Dr. Silkworth in 1934. He was a wise man who had a profound and lasting influence on the future of treatment and recovery community, with insights expressed in cogent terms beyond simple scientific methodology.

It was the doctor’s belief that an addict has both mental and physical abnormalities. It was his presumption that alcoholism was essentially an allergy to alcohol that resulted in addiction. Dr. Silkworth stated hospitalization was normally required to treat the physical abnormalities resultant from addiction. As he stated, an alcoholic “ought to be freed from his physical craving for liquor”, which must occur under supervision in a clinical medical setting. Once the physical addiction is addressed, then a psychological and spiritual transition must occur. He emphasized the need for essential psychic change, and regretted that medical science simply did not have the means to achieve this end.

Dr. Silkworth observed that addicts were characterized by restless, irritable and discontent behavior. He noted a state of agitation in his patients that could only be soothed by the intake of alcohol or drugs. Thus, only through the ingestion of intoxicants could an addict achieve the feeling of normalcy they so desired. He emphasized that the addict could not overcome the need of addiction with will power alone. He stated that all alcoholics have one common symptom: “they cannot start drinking without developing the phenomena of craving.” This craving was the allergy peculiar to the addict and, he believed, this craving could not be eradicated by medical or psychological treatment. Most importantly, Dr. Silkworth stated that the only solution for addiction was complete and absolute abstinence.

In reflecting on the observations and beliefs of Dr. Silkworth, there are similarities with the scientific discoveries of the twenty first century. The concept of an allergy of addiction of his era has today become scientifically defined as genetic influences discovered in mice and, now, in human studies. These genes produce predictable addictive behaviors in those with the genotype; the same occurred in the mindset of the thirties and was called an allergy. In both instances, the peculiar condition of the addictive personality, be it an allergy or a gene, is thought to be permanent, and a fixed and immutable element of the individual. And, as in the 1930’s with Dr. Silkworth, researchers today have no final medical solution to the issues of addiction. Genes cannot be surgically removed, nor can they be medicated.

It still lies outside the strict bounds of the scientific and medical community to find realistic treatments for addiction. Chemicals and psychotherapy alone will not solve the issue of addiction. As Dr. Silkworth stated in the thirties, it is also recognized today that medicine must first address the anatomical/physiological dependencies faced in addiction, and then there must be the spiritual and psychological aspect of life for the individual that must be addressed through meaningful and profound activities that create the sense of community and support necessary for the addict to succeed.

Would you like to Origins Recovery Center to serve you or your loved one in fostering the degree of community and support necessary in overcoming addiction? We seek to bring enlightenment, confidence and of of course long term sobriety for the one who has suffered.

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The scientific study of addictive behavior has led down many pathways. For decades, mice have been studied scientifically in the laboratory to find causative relationships for explaining addictive behavior in lab specimens. Genetically and neurologically, mice are very similar to humans. The entire setup of the brain is quite similar, utilizing the same neurotransmitters and receptors and protein; Mice have 20,000 – 25,000, about the same number as humans. The average mouse gene is about 85% similar to the corresponding human gene.

In the laboratory, mice strains have been bred to have remarkably similar addictive characteristics. Examples include strains exhibiting unique drug preferences, and/or demonstrating either increased or decreased sensitivity, tolerance, dependence and withdrawal symptoms in the use of alcohol or drugs. Just as each laboratory strain of mice models similar or identical addictive behaviors, the strains also share genetic commonalities. As a result of these findings, researchers have been looking to genetics as a significant causative component of addiction. Supporting the hypothesis that genes and addiction are related, there are the studies over recent decades that record “pedigrees” of addiction in some family groups. Most observers experienced in working with addicts are very familiar with the family histories of many addicts that show this recurring theme. As well, many individuals suffering the agonies of addiction can identify family members that have gone through similar travails.

Laboratory studies have generated many interesting genetic relationships to addiction: Some prominent genes that have been identified include a) the A1 allele of the dopamine receptor gene DRD2 is more common in people addicted to alcohol or cocaine, b) mice bred to lack the serotonin receptor gene Htr1b are more attracted to cocaine and alcohol, c) mice with low levels of neuropeptide Y drink more alcohol, whereas those with higher levels tend to abstain, and d) alcoholism is rare in individuals with two copies of the ALDH 2 gene variation. These are only a few of the variants identified as genetic adaptations that have a causal relationship with addictive behaviors. In fact, an abundance of genetic factors effecting addictive behavior keeps growing through scientific research.

One of the latest genetic factors to be identified was announced in January, 2011 by the Yale University School of Public Health. A lead scientist announced the discovery of an addiction “gene” that has been identified as associated with multiple addictive behaviors, such as alcoholism and drug abuse, in white women of European origin. This gene is located on chromosome 11 and is called PKNOX2; it is indicative of multiple dependencies among white women involving nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, opiates and other drugs. The women with this gene were almost twice as likely as white men, black women, or black men to have two or more addictions. Altogether, the scientific research in genetics is contributing a rapidly expanding number of genetic influences relating to addiction.

It is also very clear from the decades of research into addiction that the study and treatment of addictive behaviors is extremely complex. Just as there have been many genetic variations identified as characteristic of addictive behavior, the treatment of addiction must take into account a huge variety in individuals for treatment. It is believed, however, that central to addiction is the limbic sector of the brain. The limbic system contains the “reward pathway”, and is responsible for human behaviors that include instincts, feeding, fighting, fleeing, and sexual behavior. Food, nurturing and social interaction are essential for the survival of human society. These factors were responsible for shaping reward pathways in our ancestors millions of years ago.

Once it appeared, the reward pathway was passed down from generation to generation through a process called natural selection. Because the reward pathway increased animals’ chance of reproducing, it was “selected” and transmitted through the generations. Over time, the reward pathway remained a central part of the brain located in the limbic region. And, it is believed, it is in this sector of the brain that addiction is anatomically based.

The challenge to modern science is to expand the knowledge of neurological and genetic factors in addiction, and to reconcile this scientific knowledge with the societal and personality aspects of addiction. The very complexity of the individual, and the societies and environments in which that individual lives, creates such a highly complex set of factors that science alone (to this date) has not found a “medical” solution to addiction. In fact, many scientists and and other students of addiction maintain that science and medicine alone cannot cure addictive behaviors.

For these reasons, there has been a parallel path in the study and treatment of addiction. It will be the purpose of these articles to use the structure and belief of social sciences, from history and anthropology to religion and the Twelve Step program, to shed further light on the mystery of addiction. With acknowledgment that genetics are a fundamental factor in addiction, it is necessary to go beyond pure science to truly understand addictive behaviors and to treat addiction in an effective and lasting manner. We have begun this discussion with an analysis of where we stand scientifically in the search for effective of addiction. It is now time to bring in other disciplines and strategies to bring a coherent and comprehensive understanding of the nature of addiction and the application of realistic strategies for bringing relief to those who suffer the agony of the addicts life. These articles are provided by Origins Drug and Alcohol Recovery Centers, an outstanding program for those in need.

If you are a loved one are suffering from drug or alcohol addiction, please call us to discuss how we can help at 1-888-U-GET-WELL or by clicking the contact button below.

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A tragic irony of alcohol and drug dependency is that it often strikes the most outstanding of our population. In the professional world, it is estimated that as much as 10% of the leadership ranks has a dependency issue. In the corporate world, this problem is often ignored or poorly managed. The cost of business institutions ignoring the problem can be millions of dollars due to lost productivity, poor decision making, and reduced organizational effectiveness. Recognizing and dealing with the dependency of a leader is extremely difficult. These individuals may have little or no direct supervision. They normally have flexible schedules, and can schedule their own time with no explanation. As well, the lack of accountability at the top professional levels can shield fellow employees from knowledge of the leader’s personal addiction.

A corporate leader is a powerful individual, having large numbers of people in their direct supervision and with the opportunity to influence others’ professional future in a positive or negative manner. In this hierarchy, subordinates who do notice issues will not confront their supervisor out of fear of consequences. These leaders, by the very nature of their position, demand a lot of loyalty which acts against any others questioning their behavior. Most importantly, professional leaders by their very nature have outstanding personal social and management skills. They are problem solvers and risk takers by nature. When those skills are turned to masking a deficiency, this addict is very adept at disguising his/her weakness and, unfortunately, their professional skills actually increase the depths of addiction through the very talents that got to them to an elevated position. The very success of enabling one’s own addiction will create in the leader a delusion of confidence and success even though actual performance will decline. All of these factors contribute to deeper and deeper dependency, so that the professional leader becomes a severely dependent addict.

Corporate leadership to this day is a largely male subculture, with traditional male values such as tolerance of excess alcohol consumption, an emphasis on strength and avoidance of weakness, and the refusal to seek assistance when it is needed. The image of a corporate leader is a demanding one, and brings high stress to those in that role. Qualities such as strong character, intelligence, good decision making, endurance, and being highly competitive create a very pressurized environment that can quickly lead to substance dependencies. For the individual coping with addiction, it is very difficult to maintain the self image of the corporate leader. Admitting that you have lost control over your life and that your alcohol or drug use is out of control is inconsistent with the traditional executive image. The manager will believe he/she can manage away an addiction. In reality, an addiction is a disease and cannot be cured, but the professional has the arrogant self confidence to believe the situation can be handled alone.

The erratic behavior of all addicts will become evident in the professional leader. Decision making suffers, judgment is compromised and behavior tends to fluctuate. The corporation itself will begin to reflect these same issues. Clarity of mission and goals will decrease, function will be less effective, confusion and conflict will grow. In large corporations it may take years to recognize the source of disintegration, as the leader is shielded by a flexible schedule, lack of daily accountability, and distance from intimate contact with the majority of staff. As well, those closest to the afflicted individual may well be involved in typical enabling behaviors, such as covering for an absent boss or working extra hours to get the extra work done. In the end, however, it will become clear where the lack of direction and clarity originates. The professional leader will be revealed as unworthy of that exalted role they have held. And the leader will learn, hopefully, that this issue was a giant unspoken secret among his peers, that created a very tense and unproductive environment.

Fortunately, in today’s world, many corporate cultures are beginning to recognize the risks associated with professional leadership. Addiction can be defined as an occupational or business problem, and recovery can be construed as a set of strategies to save and advance one’s career. Many corporations will support treatment and recovery, through programs designed specifically to meet the needs of such individuals. Origins Treatment and Recovery is one such program, wherein the professional will spend time in coaching and therapy to deal with his/her unique needs. Addicted executive patients develop a support group and receive important information and education about alcoholism and drug abuse. They also receive the needed individual coaching to build a foundation for recovery. They will learn about the actual professional character traits that enable addiction, and how return to a leadership role without succumbing to addiction once again.

Time will be spent on developing an appropriate lifestyle that addresses stress management and a balance of work and personal time. Emphasis will be placed on having a spiritual center. The professional attributes that are so demanding – such as perfectionism, control, excessive work/work addiction – will be assessed and will be seen as the risk they are. The recovering executive will learn how to identify and resolve dysfunctional habits and beliefs that have been self-destructive. Issues of professional control will be in focus, and and the leader will learn of the need to release control as a step to recovery. As part of that process, it is beneficial to infuse a sense of spirituality, serenity, and well being into the professionals’ life to provide balance and well-being. It is during this period that unique personal issues come into focus, such as family imbalances or psychological issues.

Professional addiction is one of the most untreated treatable problems. Compared to other socio-economic groups, professional leaders exhibit recovery success rates of 75 – 90%. Once recovered, the professional can return to work with reported improvement in job stability and higher earnings. The key is adherence to the basic principles of recovery, and dedicated to sobriety. AA/CA involvement is a key element to success. With dedication, hard work, and a “new awakening”, professionals report great advancement in their careers, more meaning associated with their jobs, increased family and personal life, higher levels of happiness and stability, and significant economic gains. The challenges and stress of leadership can become the foundation for a future of stability and enrichment.

Are you, are is someone you know, and addicted professional or executive? If so, please call us at 1-888-U-GET-WELL or by clicking the contact button below.

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It is fairly undeniable that as Americans we tend to like to indulge over the holidays. We consume great amounts of food, alcohol and in some cases even drugs as a means of celebration. We at Origins Recovery Centers do not seek to pass judgment on those who care to spend their holidays partaking in such things. There is nothing wrong with the enhancement of the holidays with the moderate use of substances and in the case of non-addicts, it seems quite appropriate if done safely and not to too much of an excess.

However, this general acceptance of festive use of drugs and alcohol during the holidays can provide a substantial and additional challenge to the alcoholic and addict. If ever there were a time when a sober person might feel compelled or entitled, rather, to partake in drugs and alcohol it is during the holiday season and, as such, it is especially important that those of us in recovery remain vigilant in following certain guidelines as listed below:

• Attend only the “right” holiday parties

We believe that a person in recovery, actively working a solid 12-step program, accountable to a sponsor and home group has a legitimate right and ability to attend any function whatsoever, including that which will have alcohol present, if such a person has a legitimate reason to be there. Of course seeing family and friends as well as business acquaintances qualifies as just such an event. However, you should be realistic and honest with yourself and your sponsor as to whether an event truly is about family, camaraderie or other legitimate reason to potentially put oneself close to alcohol. As we all know, quite a few events are organized under the auspices of being a legitimate social event, wherein fact it is really just an excuse to imbibe to excess. How do you know? It’s really just a judgment call that has to be based in total honesty, however here is a pretty solid rule of thumb: If you have prospective event you want to attend, consider the attendees that will be there and the purpose for which the event is taking place. Now ask yourself whether the event would still take place and if all the attendees would still be there if in fact alcohol was not going to be served ahead of time. Obviously if it seems like this would curtail the event all together, then it’s pretty likely this is a function a sober person has no business attending.

• Have an escape route | Have your own way home

It is very likely that at a event where people are indulging in alcohol you will be just fine if your program is solid, however you don’t want to find out otherwise and have no established exit strategy. In other words, if you end up going to your work holiday party and it turns out that the huge consumption of egg nog is making you want to strongly participate in drinking, be sure that you didn’t arrive with someone else, thus preventing you from leaving. You absolutely should not have to stay in a place where drug or alcohol consumption is taking place if you don’t feel comfortable with it so don’t inadvertently create a situation in which your exit is problematic or impossible.

• Be specific when offered a drink

This is an old, but tried and true trick of the person in recovery. When asked if you would care for a drink be sure and state clearly and specifically which non-alcoholic beverage you would like. You see, often a drinking person feels compelled to try to get others to join in the fun and be merry and they encourage others to indulge in alcohol (as you probably well know because, like us, you probably did the same thing when you were still drinking), so if you aren’t very specific with what you want, as in, “Sure, I will take a Diet Coke,” it leaves more room for a person to try and persuade you to drink which will then generally lead to a likely uncomfortable situation where you have to explain that you are in recovery. Moreover, if your specific and distinct preference for a non-alcoholic beverage is met by a degree of judgment for your choice of not partaking, you may need to reconsider whether or not you are at a holiday party that is appropriate for a person in recovery (as contemplated above).

• 12-step programs don’t take the holidays off!

Much like we don’t cease to be alcoholics or addicts merely because it is the holiday season, our 12-step solutions also don’t go away during the holiday. There are numerous AA-related holiday events that take place in most cities and you should really look into attending such events if for no other reason than to see how people in long term sobriety have learned to make the holidays and their recovery two non-mutually exclusive aspects of their lives.

Don’t miss meetings because of the holidays! They are still going on, and in many cases sometimes in greater frequency BECAUSE of the holidays.

• Be careful not to overeat too much!

It is unavoidable that you will partake in all of the wonderful holiday foods and we absolutely encourage such a thing. However, if you stuff yourself to such an excess that you actually feel bad about it, that may just be one more thing your disease will use against you as an excuse to try and make you drink or use. Such is especially true if you have weight or body image issues.

We see an increased number of admits after the holidays each year and this is of course due to the increased drug and alcohol consumption that is just part and parcel of celebrating the holidays. Don’t let your disease use the holidays as an excuse to let up on your spiritual program of action. Maintain your daily disciplines, follow the guidelines above and consider spreading the message of recovery as your greatest gift your fellowman during this holiday season.

Are you concerned about that you or a loved one might not be able to stay sober during this holiday season? If so, please call us at 1-888-U-GET-WELL or click the contact button below.

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Origins Recovery Centers is a fully-licensed and accredited drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility whereby the best of various, evidence-based therapeutic interventions are expertly commingled with intense, 12-step immersion, the combination of which we have found ensures the highest possible long-term success rates for our clientèle. We often are asked, “Are you a 28-day program or a longer term rehab?”

The answer is actually a bit more complex than merely self-designating as one or the other. Origins is a facility that will accommodate the financial needs, time constraints and insurance particulars of any individual, however we always advise that a prospective client remain for as long as possible with most average length of stays being around ninety days. The reasoning for this is very simple. Quite frankly, you can’t become “too” recovered, however you very well can inadvertently leave treatment prematurely, not firmly enough in sobriety. In other words, it’s a matter of better safe than sorry.

Furthermore, there is significant statistical data that has been amassed over the course of several decades that suggests that length of stay in an inpatient treatment center is tied to long-term rates of sobriety. In other words, and generally speaking, the longer you remain in treatment, the higher your chances are that you will remain sober once you leave treatment. There are several reasons for this, however the most significant is probably also the most intuitively obvious: If a person has spent years to even decades abusing drugs and alcohol, effectively practicing a lifestyle of excess and conditioning their mind to rely solely upon addictive brain chemistry, does it not stand to reason that it is going to take a bit of time practicing a lifestyle of recovery in a supervised setting in order for them to re-learn how to live life without drugs and alcohol? We certainly think so.

Upon intake, clients of Origins Recovery Centers are assessed to determine their therapeutic needs and determine the appropriate length of stay for them. Sometimes a patient’s particular insurance plan will only approve a shorter-term stay and that is of course unfortunate, however we will work with whatever we have to work with; as in, it is better than nothing for sure. Such a patient can expect that we will fully make the most of the time they have with us, though we of course would prefer to have them for longer if financially possible and quite often we will offer certain rebates, scholarships and financing options to help them prolong their stay, thereby increasing their overall chance of long-term success and sobriety.

Many of our patients complete their long-term 90+ day stay as a combination of both inpatient treatment and with supervised sober-living. For instance, it is not uncommon for a patient to complete 30 days on an inpatient basis and then another 60 days while in our sober house, still fully participating within all study groups and classes being conducted on our campus. It really is a matter of what will be best for our clients and very often that is not apparent at the outset of treatment and can only be determined after we have had a chance to observe their interaction in a clinical setting. Often we ask that they commit to a period of time and as we see how they progress we will make recommendations for either more or less time accordingly.

Furthermore, one of the benefits most apparent to us with respect to a long-term rehabilitation stay is that as our clients become more “senior” residents, they are in a position to truly bolster their own recovery by taking time to interact and mentor some of the newer arrivals. In fact, working with others is one of the largest aspects of this spiritual program of action, however it is generally only something that a person gains confidence in doing over time after they have amassed some clean time themselves, therefore those who have been in treatment longer often find greater ability and comfort when it comes to to approaching the newer arrivals and helping to let them know that they are welcome and that they have arrived at a safe place to heal. So essentially, if you opt for a shorter stay, chances are you may not have yet had the chance to reach out and work with others in treatment, thereby sacrificing probably one of the most important aspects of the treatment experience.

If you are finding yourself balking at the prospect of a long-term stay in a rehabilitation center like ours, please engage within the following thought experiment:

Are you willing to consider that there is increased chance of maintenance of long-term sobriety when you participate in staying in treatment for a longer, rather than shorter period of time?

And, are you willing to consider that the statistics with respect to those who go to treatment and fail paint a rather dismal picture of the long-term chances for survival for such an addict or alcoholic?

Then, therefore are you willing to consider that opting for a long-term rehabilitation option could in fact mean the difference between living and dying?

When it comes to saving your life the difference between a month and three is really quite insignificant. As drug addicts and alcoholics, we tend to want to get quick results and we are very big on quick fixes. I mean, we have been finding happiness as quick as the next bottle, joint, pill syringe, etc. for a number of years now. However, the damage we have done in pursuit of this sort of happiness has taken quite awhile to amass and truly effect our lives in such a negative manner. It’s just going to take a little bit longer than most of us would prefer in treatment in order to reverse this process and put us on the path of sobriety and recovery.

Are you trying to decide between a short and long-term drug and alcohol rehabilitation center? If so, please give us a call at 1-888-U-GET-WELL or click the contact button below.

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Within the depths of active addiction, the alcoholic and addict have a truly substantial number of ways in which to hide their illness from the outside world. For instance, some whose alcoholism has taken them to where they must imbibe substantial amounts at all times choose to drink only Vodka, which is purportedly and anecdotally more difficult to smell on one’s breath than, say, Rum. Intravenous drug users will often choose to only inject their particular drug of choice into parts of their body that can easily be hidden with clothing so that their “track marks” aren’t readily apparent to others. These are a few examples of the addict or alcoholic hiding “in plain sight” so to speak.

However, many addicts and alcoholics actually have a much more cunning manner of shrouding their illness from suspicion and it involves leading lives so remarkable and typified by such achievement that their addiction seems to be completely insulated from reproach or the concern of others. We encounter individuals like this quite a bit Origins Recovery Centers, since our luxury facilities tend to often attract what we call the “executive” or “high functioning” addict. There exists both bad news and good news for just such an individual which we will delve into further below.

First, let us share with you the profile of just such an individual who came to us via Austin, Texas (this has been shared only with his permission and in a manner that respects and preserves his anonymity). This man was the founder and chief executive officer of a rather successful medical supply company. He seemed to have an exceptionally well-ordered and disciplined life. He would wake up around 6AM every morning, working out for an hour before work and he was always present in the office to work anywhere from a nine to twelve hour work day. On the weekend he was actively involved within his children’s activities and by all accounts he, ostensibly, was a wonderful husband and father. He enjoyed a high six-figure income and seemed to be living the American Dream to the fullest.

However, this gentleman would drink himself into utter oblivion every evening, without fail. This began early on in his career with a happy hour once or twice a week and it slowly progressed to where he was celebrating his own happy hour, alone, every evening and it would generally last for well over several hours in duration. At first, he was able to hide such behavior quite well, but his wife began to be concerned when he began to pass out in his recreational room on a regular basis, rather than in their mutual bedroom. He began to receive concern from his physician over his general health and he seemed to experience greater anxiety and agitation through the course of his day.

Fairly soon, this man began taking benzodiazapenes – like Zananx and Valium – prescribed by multiple doctors he was seeing, throughout the course of the day in order to calm his nerves. Moreover, the frequency with which he partook in “liquid lunches” in order to smooth things over also seemed to increase quite a bit as well. With time, everything got progressively worse as it always does when it comes to alcoholism and, without fail and fairly soon, the number of hours of sober breath this man drew on a daily basis could be counted on the hand of a person who was missing a few of their fingers. He came to us after being intervened upon by his family after it was revealed the man was suffering from both pancreatitis and cirrhosis of the liver as a result of this alcohol intake.

This gentleman and those like him often present some of the most substantial clinical challenges in treating their addiction since our program is one of admitting powerlessness and, by most accounts, people like this particular alcoholic have a lot of evidence to the contrary when discussing their powerlessness. This is the bad news mentioned above. While the sickness and clear “powerlessness” present within the life of an individual who has so much to lose but still chooses to drink to such an excess is painfully obvious to many, the evidence of success in spite of alcoholism tends to be the focus of the alcoholic. Luckily, however, the counselors here at Origins Recovery Centers are vetted in dealing with the egos and objections present within just such individuals and we welcome this very sort of high functioning addict into our community, tackling this particular brand of addiction with exceptional zeal and tenacity.

The flip-side or the good news, rather, for just such individuals is that our experience with high functioning addicts and alcoholics is that when they do achieve and retain recovery what they were able to achieve while in the throes of active addiction – while probably substantial – generally pales in comparison to their level of performance and achievement once they have recovered. In other words, an addict or alcoholic who was able to perform highly while completely impaired by their disease will generally reap the most exceptional and wonderful benefits from sobriety in that these very high levels of performance not only continue, but in fact they are now able to actually be enjoyed; no longer does there exist the pain and emptiness of addiction so that now a high functioning individual can truly appreciate all they have achieved.

In the case of the individual mentioned above, it turned out that his entire career was in fact guided by his alcoholism. When get got honest and did some good step work, it came to bear that he not only had no real passion or interest in his present business, but that he actually had great disdain for it and he was really only maintaining it in order to keep up appearances so that he could continue to be an alcoholic. He ended up selling his business for a 7-figure sum and becoming involved in a prior passion he had that now affords him not only a financially comfortable living, but also one that makes him truly happy and fulfilled.

We have been fortunate enough to bear witness to a number of just such instances of the recovery of high functioning addicts and alcoholics. We have seen musicians go from highly talented yet unrealized in addiction, to exceptional and making a career of their gift in recovery. We have seen other business man like that gentleman above go from successful salesman to prosperous business owners. There is truly no limit to the level of happiness and success one can experience when they are fully and truly reovered, walking in the sunlight of the spirit.

Are you or someone you care about a high-functioning addict or alcoholic? If so, please call 1-888-U-GET-WELL to discuss the prospect of treatment or click the contact button below.

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